Cyber-attacks against public water systems (PWS) are increasing. In response, the Maine CDC Drinking Water Program (DWP) is working with cybersecurity subject matter experts to support Maine PWS in mitigating cybersecurity risks. As noted below, the DWP intends to launch their Cybersecurity Plan for PWS in 2024.
The Maine CDC Drinking Water Program (DWP) administers and enforces drinking water regulations and provides educational, technical, and financial assistance.
The Radiation Control Program provides, free of charge, information packets containing information on different aspects of radon. We also register radon service providers (laboratories, contractors, and testing companies) that have a proven level of training.
Fluoridation of drinking water is the addition or adjustment of fluoride to a drinking water supply for the purpose of preventing and controlling tooth decay.
Legionellosis is a disease caused by Legionella bacteria. Two different diseases make up legionellosis, Legionnaires' disease and Pontiac fever. Legionnaires' disease causes a serious type of pneumonia, a lung disease. Pontiac fever is a milder infection than Legionnaires' disease.
Disinfection by-products (DBPs), also called trihalomethanes, are formed when chlorine and bromine interact with natural organic materials in water, such as in chlorinated drinking water. To protect drinking water from disease-causing organisms, or pathogens, water suppliers often add a disinfectant, such as chlorine, to drinking water. However, disinfection practices can be complicated because certain microbial pathogens are highly resistant to traditional disinfection practices.
Coliform bacteria make up a large group of bacteria that are found in soils, on plants, and in surface water. Certain coliform bacteria live in the intestines of humans and animals.
Coliforms are not harmful themselves, but when present in drinking water, disease-causing microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites may have gotten into the water supply by the same route as the coliforms. The Maine Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory (HETL) tests for coliforms as an indicator for possible contamination.
Nitrates and nitrites are nitrogen-oxygen chemical units that combine with various organic and inorganic compounds. They come from the breakdown of nitrogen compounds in the soil, where flowing ground water picks them up. High levels of nitrates and nitrites in groundwater are usually due to human activities but can sometimes be found naturally in groundwater. The major sources of nitrates and nitrites in drinking water are runoff from fertilizer use, sewage -- especially leakage from septic tanks -- and erosion of natural deposits.
Arsenic is a semi-metal element in the periodic table. It is odorless and tasteless. It enters drinking water supplies from natural deposits in the earth or from agricultural and industrial practices. The health effects of Arsenic exposure can be severe, and include stomach pain, nausea, diarrhea and vomiting; thickening and discoloration of the skin; numbness in hands and feet; partial paralysis; and blindness. Prolonged exposure or exposure to large doses can be fatal.
